BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Mix your regular foundation with a pale, shim – mery eye shadow like gold or beige. This is a good substitute for a very expensive shimmery foundation.

Always check the return policy of anything you’re not absolutely sure about. Some stores offer full refunds even on opened or used products.

Look at ethnic skin lines if you need more pigment from your products since they tend to be more intense.

Dab a little antacid like Maalox on a pimple or cold sore.

SAMPLES JUST FOR THE ASKING

Most cosmetic counters provide generous samples of skin care products, fragrances, and great little travel items like small tubes of lipstick. It’s not something that is advertised, and counter people don’t offer unless you ask.

Rather than just ask at each counter for anything free, pick a category. Ask about a fragrance you’ve seen. Look through the latest magazines. It’s usually the newest products that have samples for customers to try.

Try not to go when it’s very busy. That’s when you’ll have more one-on-one attention.

Don’t ask, "What do you have for free?" and don’t be greedy.

If you’re really interested, you’ll find you’ll probably get better service and, after all, you might really like the products they’re selling.

Updated: July 17, 2015 — 11:59 pm